Strachan parts company with Celtic
Gordon Strachan linked with Sunderland
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Monday, 25, May 2009 08:59
Gordon Strachan has resigned as Celtic manager amid speculation he is in talks to take over at Sunderland.
The 52-year-old spent four highly successful seasons with the Hoops, leading them to three Scottish Premier League titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup. But Strachan was yesterday unable to win a fourth title as they were dethroned by bitter rivals Rangers.
"It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be the club's manager for four years," said Strachan, who was on a 12-month rolling contract.
"We have done all we can to bring success to the club and we were delighted to deliver three SPL titles, other domestic silverware, as well as making some great progress in Europe. It is just disappointing that we did not manage the fourth championship.
"However, the players can hold their heads high in terms of what they have done in recent years. I thank all the players I have worked with at the club and, of course, my backroom team for the backing and assistance which they have given me."
The former Coventry City and Southampton manager joined Celtic in 2005 when he was given the difficult task of filling the boots of Martin O'Neill. Strachan got off to the worst possible start when his side were thumped 5-0 by Artmedia Bratislava in a Champions League qualifier.
But the club's form improved and by the end of his first season at the club, Strachan had won the League Cup and the league and was named manager of the year.
The highlight of his reign at Celtic Park came last season when the Scottish side beat then European Champions AC Milan 2-1 in the Champions League and qualified for the last-16 of the competition.
Strachan is now one of the favourites to replace Ricky Sbragia after he stepped down as Sunderland manager yesterday.